Police Investigating After Dead Pets Found in Acushnet

ACUSHNET — Police and the Animal Rescue League of Boston are investigating a possible animal cruelty case after dead pets were found in bags at a popular Acushnet recreation area.

Acushnet police said on March 7, local residents discovered a cat and a guinea pig in separate bags sealed with duct tape along a tree line behind a Lake Street parking area near the New Bedford Reservoir.

According to police, the animals had likely been there for some time, as both showed advanced decomposition.

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After conducting a forensic exam of the remains, including x-rays, the Animal Rescue League veterinary team found that the cat had suffered multiple skull fractures.

But because there were no other apparent injuries on the cat's body, police said, it's unlikely the animal was hit by a car.

However, it's unclear if the injuries occurred before or after the cat's death, due to the level of decomposition.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information about the animals is asked to contact either the Animal Rescue League's Law Enforcement department at cruelty@arlboston.org, or Acushnet police at (508) 998-0240 or jfontes@acushnet.ma.us.